What is linezolid (Zyvox)?

Linezolid is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Linezolid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zyvox 600 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with ZYVOX 600 mg

What are the possible side effects of linezolid (Zyvox)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you take an antidepressant or psychiatric medication, call your doctor right away if you have signs of a serious drug interaction, including: confusion, memory problems, feeling hyperactive (mentally or physically), loss of coordination, muscle twitching, shivering, sweating, diarrhea, and/or fever.

Some people develop lactic acidosis while using linezolid. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about linezolid (Zyvox)?

Do not use linezolid if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Many drugs can interact with linezolid. Before using linezolid, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. You may need to stop using certain medicines before using linezolid (in some cases for up to 5 weeks before you start linezolid). During your treatment with linezolid, do not start or stop using any other medications unless your doctor tells you to.

You should not use linezolid if you have untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, a carcinoid tumor, adrenal gland tumor, or a severely overactive thyroid.

If you take an antidepressant or psychiatric medication, call your doctor right away if you have signs of a serious drug interaction, including: confusion, memory problems, feeling hyperactive (mentally or physically), loss of coordination, muscle twitching, shivering, sweating, diarrhea, and/or fever.

Eating tyramine while you are using linezolid can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels. Avoid foods that have a high level of tyramine, such as aged cheeses or meats, pickled or fermented meats, smoked or air-dried meats, sauerkraut, soy sauce, tap beer, red wine, or any meat, cheese, or other protein-based food that has been improperly stored.